The success of Diane Daley in turning round Disney's East Kilbride store and creating a "great atmosphere for staff and customers" won the judges' vote.

As well as implementing a new training system for staff which has significantly improved retention levels, Diane demonstrated a personal willingness to go beyond the call of duty to make the customer experience a special one.

The commitment of Paul Boy field and his team at the Scottish Co-operative shop in Aberchirder, Aberdeen shire was a demonstration of community retailing in action.

Bob Harvey's success in both delivering record sales and in developing his staff at B&Q's Great Western Road store in Glasgow highly impressed the panel.

Although his role at the ASDA store in New mains is Thomas White's first store manager position, he has already demonstrated "natural leadership ability", according to the judges.